A systematic review of three control trials showed that Ginkgo Biloba is somewhat effective for improving cognitive function of the patients with dementia [Brondino, 2013].
Ginkgo biloba (Gb) is one of the most ancient seed plant. Originally native to China, it is now cultivated worldwide. Ginkgo Biloba, like Ginseng, is listed in the traditional Chinese pharmacopeia, and the extract from its leaves has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat circulatory disorders, asthma, tinnitus, vertigo, and cognitive problems [Kleijnen, 1992].
There are several bio-active ingredients in Ginkgo Biloba: flavonoids (ginkgo-flavone glycosides) and terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalide). The most important flavonoids are glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin with glucose or rhamnose. The effects of ginkgo may be caused by a single of the above ingredients or by the combined action of several of the above agents found in the extract [Kleijnen, 1992].
Data on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of GB is limited, however one rat study demonstrated that significant levels of the terpene trilactones and GB flavonoids (active ingredients in the GB extract) are found in the blood plasma AND they cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the Central Nervous System after the oral administration [Ude, 2013].
As with all the supplements, the questions are: the precise form/formulation and the dose.
The patented GB extract if called EGb 761 and its composition is: flavonoid fraction of 24% of the extract and terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalide) - 6%of the extract. Has been found effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The dose was 240 mg/ once a day.
Ginkgo biloba (Gb) is one of the most ancient seed plant. Originally native to China, it is now cultivated worldwide. Ginkgo Biloba, like Ginseng, is listed in the traditional Chinese pharmacopeia, and the extract from its leaves has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat circulatory disorders, asthma, tinnitus, vertigo, and cognitive problems [Kleijnen, 1992].
There are several bio-active ingredients in Ginkgo Biloba: flavonoids (ginkgo-flavone glycosides) and terpenoids (ginkgolides and bilobalide). The most important flavonoids are glycosides of kaempferol, quercetin, and isorhamnetin with glucose or rhamnose. The effects of ginkgo may be caused by a single of the above ingredients or by the combined action of several of the above agents found in the extract [Kleijnen, 1992].
Data on the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of GB is limited, however one rat study demonstrated that significant levels of the terpene trilactones and GB flavonoids (active ingredients in the GB extract) are found in the blood plasma AND they cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the Central Nervous System after the oral administration [Ude, 2013].
As with all the supplements, the questions are: the precise form/formulation and the dose.
The patented GB extract if called EGb 761 and its composition is: flavonoid fraction of 24% of the extract and terpenes (ginkgolides and bilobalide) - 6%of the extract. Has been found effective in improving symptoms of Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. The dose was 240 mg/ once a day.
What exactly is in EGb 761:
EGb 761 [Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, Rökan, Tanakan, Tebonin] is a standardized and well define extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves. It contains approximately 24% flavone glycosides (primarily quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and 6% terpene lactones (2.8-3.4% ginkgolides A, B and C, and 2.6-3.2% bilobalide) [EGb 761: Ginkgo BIloba Extract]
Since most clinical studies have been done on EGb 761 precisely, when looking for a supplement the best approach is to look for one with this precise formulation.
EGb 761 [Ginkgo biloba extract EGb 761, Rökan, Tanakan, Tebonin] is a standardized and well define extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves. It contains approximately 24% flavone glycosides (primarily quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin) and 6% terpene lactones (2.8-3.4% ginkgolides A, B and C, and 2.6-3.2% bilobalide) [EGb 761: Ginkgo BIloba Extract]
Since most clinical studies have been done on EGb 761 precisely, when looking for a supplement the best approach is to look for one with this precise formulation.
Additional Benefits of GB
1. Antioxidant and antigenotoxic (protects against damage to the genetic information) activity: "The chemical composition of GBE was affected by in vitro digestion, but the antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities persisted. Therefore, G. biloba extract may be suitable for use as food additive and contribute to a healthy colon" [Oliveira, 2019].
References and Literature
Brondino N, De Silvestri A, Re S, et al. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Ginkgo biloba in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: From Ancient Tradition to Modern-Day Medicine. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:915691.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3679686/
EGb 761: Ginkgo Biloba Extract. Drugs R D, 2003; 4(3);188-93 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12757407
Ihl R, Tribanek M, Napryeyenko O. A 240-mg Once-Daily Formulation of Ginkgo biloba Extract EGb 761® is Effective in Both Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Alzheimer's & Dementia 2008;4(suppl 2):T165-T166.
Kleijnen J, Knipschild P. Ginkgo biloba. The Lancet. 1992;340(8828):1136–1139.https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PII0140-6736(92)93158-J.pdf
Oliveira D, Latimer C, Parpot P, Gil CIR, Oliveira R. Antioxidant and antigenotoxic activities of Ginkgo biloba L. leaf extract are retained after in vitro gastrointestinal digestive conditions.Eur J Nutr. 2019; Feb 5. doi: 10.1007/s00394-019-01915-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30721412
Ude C., Schubert-Zsilavecz M., Wurglics M. Ginkgo biloba extracts: A review of the pharmacokinetics of the active ingredients. Clin. Pharmacokinet. 2013;52:727–749. doi: 10.1007/s40262-013-0074-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23703577
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21140383